ØASPR2000 Professional English Course description

The main purpose of the course is to improve the students' ability to communicate in English both in writing and orally in a professional business context. The course is cross-curricular since a large part of the syllabus is related to subjects within business and economics. It will prepare the students to deal with real situations in the business world. The course is organized around three main areas: British and American economies and their roles in global trade and finance; internal business communication; external business communiction.

Language of instruction is English.

Exam in English from upper secondary school or equivalent knowledge of English. A large part of the syllabus is related to subjects within business and economics. The level of the course is B2 according to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has a wide vocabulary in economic/administrative English
• knows the main oral and written genres of business communication
• knows the main points of grammar necessary for correct and idiomatic usage of the English language
• has knowledge of various cross-curricular business topics
• has knowledge about the British and American economies and business worlds as well as some knowledge about their roles in global trade and finance

Skills

The student

• can write professional English for academic and business purposes
• can speak English in a formal and correct manner
• can deal with professional situations in the business world
• can accommodate speakers from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• can understand spoken and written English used in a business context
• can use professional vocabulary in oral and written contexts
• can discuss, analyse and reflect on various issues and texts in English
• has developed their practical problem-solving skills

General competence

The student

• has developed their communicative competence in English, which includes linguistic, intercultural and strategic competencies
• can function well in most professional situations internationally
• can apply their skills and knowledge of business English
• can understand English language curricula and lectures in other subjects better

In addition to lectures there are case studies, group work, assignment review, discussions, student presentations, and a written assignment. Regular attendance and active participation in classroom activities are expected. Independent study is required.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

Oral requirements:

• Participation in one formal meeting based on a case
• An oral presentation​ in groups, 10-12 minutes

Written requirement:

• A group formal report based on one of the cases (attendance is mandatory for the case the students write about)

Feedback will be given on all assignments. The aim of the coursework requirements is for the students to develop oral and written skills through practice.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the students will be given one opportunity to submit/present an improved version by the given deadline.

The exam in the course is a supervised of 5 hours.

The following aids are permitted:

• Dictionary (English-English), for example Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Grade scale A - F

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25 % of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.